UWorld Cares Partner Spotlight: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas

UWorld Cares joins Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas to expand college readiness, mentorship, and learning for local youth.

For 60 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas (BGCD) has provided after-school and summer programs that offer Dallas-area youth a safe space to study, explore their interests, and connect with mentors. With programs ranging from tutoring to leadership training, BGCD continues to help get kids future-ready.

UWorld Cares has proudly partnered with BGCD to expand those opportunities. Through community grants, product access, and volunteer engagement, UWorld and BGCD are helping thousands of students across North Texas prepare for college and their future careers.

Honoring 60 Years of Impact Through BGCD's Mission

What began in 1965 as a single club has grown into a network of 10 locations across Dallas County that serve thousands of students each year. In 2024 alone, more than 3,600 young people participated in Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas programs, supported by more than 1,100 volunteers who help deliver critical services.

Each of BGCD's programs aligns with its 3 organizational pillars: academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship. Students prepare for college and scholarships through initiatives such as Collegiate STEPS, strengthen social and leadership skills through teen programs such as Keystone Club, and build work-readiness through mentoring and career exploration opportunities. Together, these experiences equip students for life beyond the classroom, creating a foundation for a more resilient North Texas.

UWorld and BGCD: Advancing Education Together

Since forming the partnership in 2022, the UWorld Cares Community Grant program has invested $87,500 in BGCD, supporting programs reaching more than 14,000 students across Dallas County. What makes this partnership special, however, isn't the funding alone, but the shared belief that every young person deserves the tools and guidance needed to succeed.

UWorld and BGCD are united by a simple goal: to give students opportunities and support that can change the course of their future. Whether finding encouragement from a mentor or gaining access to test prep resources for the first time, the partnership helps level the playing field for all students.

“Since its inception, UWorld was founded on the principle of helping people. It's the reason for our company's existence, and we work hard every day to help others achieve excellence in their pursuit of higher education and rewarding careers. We view philanthropy as an extension of that same mission; we invest in our community not because we have to, but because we want to.”

- Chandra Pemmasani, MD, founder and CEO of UWorld

How Shared Purpose Becomes Impact

Rooted in UWorld's 3Ps philosophy — partnership, product, and people — UWorld's collaboration with BCGD helps to tangibly remove barriers to higher education for students across Dallas County.

Through Partnership

UWorld's community grants help strengthen the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas programs that give students the academic foundation needed to pursue higher education. UWorld supports the academic success pillar of BGCD's mission, particularly through Collegiate STEPS, a college preparatory program operated by BGCD in collaboration with the Junior League of Dallas.

Collegiate STEPS pairs high school students with mentors who guide them through the process of applying for scholarships and college while providing SAT® and ACT® preparation. Sessions are held every other Monday evening and include both in-person and virtual college tours, with juniors and seniors paired with Junior League mentors for continued support. UWorld contributes to this initiative through grant funding, product access, and volunteer engagement.

“Just having access makes a difference,” said Debra Taylor, interim president and chief executive officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas. “Some kids don't have the funds or opportunity to do test prep or college readiness programs, and now, with UWorld's help, they do. It gives everyone a level playing field.”

Through Product

As part of this partnership, UWorld provides BGCD students with complimentary access to its College Prep product suite. These tools include SAT, ACT, and AP® prep resources that help students practice effectively, build understanding, and experience realistic exam simulations.

By making these tools available through BGCD programs, UWorld helps close gaps in access for students who may not have the means to enroll in formal test-preparation courses. For many students, this is their first exposure to professional-level prep resources that help them study strategically, build test-day resilience, and approach college entrance exams on equal footing with their peers.

“UWorld helped me prepare for the SAT. It felt similar to the actual exam and helped me manage my time better with the countdown at the top,” said Anowar Sadek, a Boys & Girls Club member and graduate of I.D.E.A. High School in Dallas ISD.

Through People

UWorld employees play an active role in supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas students through in-person volunteer efforts. Team members visit club locations to help students set up their College Prep accounts, demonstrate how to use practice and review tools, and share study strategies for upcoming exams.

During these sessions, volunteers also talk with students about their own education and career paths, giving them a chance to see professionals in a variety of fields and understand the opportunities that education can open. These interactions provide students with both practical guidance and personal inspiration, giving them a clearer view of the careers and possibilities that higher education can lead to.

“Through Boys & Girls Club, I've had many opportunities to communicate, mentor, and meet amazing people from different industries, helping me prepare for college life and beyond,” added Sadek, who is now enrolled at the University of North Texas.

The Impact of BGCD

For students growing up in neighborhoods where opportunities may vary, organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas can represent consistent access to a network of caring adults.

“When young people have the opportunity to explore their interests, receive real-world college and career guidance, and see professionals who reflect their aspirations, they begin to envision, and build, their own futures,” said UWorld's Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey A. Elliott. “The ripple effect extends far beyond the classroom. That is why BGCD matters: This organization ensures that talent, ambition, and creativity are not limited by circumstance but are equitably supported. When we invest in young people, we invest in the next generation of teachers, healthcare workers, and leaders who will carry our communities forward.”

Why Community Partnerships Matter to UWorld

For UWorld, giving back means investing in the same values that drive its mission: equity in education. By supporting organizations like BGCD, UWorld Cares improves local pathways to higher education and ensures that more students are prepared to succeed.

“We really appreciate our partnership with UWorld,” said Dwaylon Whitmore, senior director of teen services at BGCD. “It's been a tremendous help during the last few years, particularly with SAT and ACT prep. Our students have been improving not only their scores but also their confidence as they prepare for the next level. Thank you, UWorld. We look forward to continuing this partnership in the future.”